Bahrain’s heritage sites draw nearly one million visitors in December 2025

Bahrain’s cultural and archaeological landmarks witnessed an unprecedented surge in footfall in December 2025, attracting a total of 999,394 visitors, according to figures released by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). The milestone underscores the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a regional cultural tourism hub and reflects the success of its long-term heritage-driven tourism strategy.

Cultural events fuel record-breaking turnout

The remarkable increase in visitor numbers was driven by a series of high-profile cultural festivals and national initiatives that placed heritage sites at the heart of public engagement.

One of the biggest contributors was the Muharraq Nights Festival, held from December 1 to 30. The month-long event transformed the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path into a vibrant cultural corridor, featuring art installations, live music performances, heritage storytelling, traditional crafts, and guided tours that brought Bahrain’s pearling history to life.

Adding further momentum was the Celebrate Bahrain Season, a nationwide cultural campaign that ran throughout December. Key attractions included Hawa Al Manama, which began on December 25, along with interactive heritage programs hosted at the Heritage Village in Askar. These events helped draw families, international tourists, and residents alike into Bahrain’s historical spaces.

Regional tourism plays a key role

Regional travel trends also played a significant role in boosting visitor numbers. Saudi Arabia remained Bahrain’s largest source market in 2025, supported by strong social and economic ties and seamless cross-border access via the King Fahd Causeway. The ease of short-term travel encouraged repeat visits, particularly during peak festival periods.

Aligned with Bahrain’s long-term tourism vision

The December surge aligns closely with Bahrain’s 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy, which prioritises economic diversification through cultural tourism, heritage conservation, and international promotion. By integrating archaeological sites into large-scale public events, the Kingdom has successfully positioned its history as both accessible and globally relevant.

Most visited heritage destinations

Visitors gravitated towards sites that reflect Bahrain’s 4,500-year-old civilization, including:

• Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the ancient Dilmun civilization, offering archaeological layers spanning millennia.

• The Pearling Path: A collection of historic houses, shorelines, and trade spaces in Muharraq that narrate Bahrain’s pearling legacy.

• Other archaeological landmarks: Popular sites also included the Barbar Temple complex and Riffa Fort (Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort), both key symbols of Bahrain’s religious and political history.

A growing global cultural destination

The strong performance of Bahrain’s heritage sites in December 2025 highlights a broader shift in tourism preferences toward authentic, experience-led travel. With continued investment in preservation, programming, and accessibility, Bahrain is steadily reinforcing its reputation as a leading cultural destination in the Gulf and beyond.